Background Information
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. With more than 2,320 miles (3,734 km) of length, it drains a large area that covers a big portion of the U.S. and part of Canada. The river has important cultural and ecological significance for the country, as it serves for navigation, for natural resources, for the environment and for leisure activities. But, what is the beginning of the Mississippi River called?
Source of the Mississippi River
The source of the Mississippi River is Lake Itasca, which is in Clearwater County in the state of Minnesota. Another name associated with the beginning of the river is “Old Man River”. This name was given by the Native Americans, who lived there before the European settlers. The lake is at the elevation of 1,475 feet (450 m) above the sea level and it is less than 1,200 feet (369 m) long. It is surrounded by the Itasca State Park, which is home to a huge variety of wild life and plants, as well as activities for visitors. It has an average depth of about 15 feet (4.5 m), but parts of the lake are as deep as 35 feet (11 m).
Flow of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca and then flows through ten states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. It eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico, forming a large delta at the mouth. The total length of the Mississippi is 2,350 miles (3,780 km), with its main stem being 1,200 miles (1,930 km). It has numerous tributaries that feed into it, including the Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Ohio rivers.
Importance to the U.S.
The Mississippi River plays an important role in the economy of the U.S. A number of goods and services are shipped along its waters. The river is also heavily used for navigation – with large commercial vessels, passenger ferries and recreational boats all sharing its waters. In addition, the river is crucial for the environment, being the habitat for numerous species of plants, animals and birds. In terms of population, a number of towns and cities are located on the Mississippi’s banks, including many of the major population centers.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is an important source of fresh water, with huge areas of land being dependent on the river and its tributaries. But, over the years, the river has been subject to various forms of pollution, resulting in deteriorating water quality. This is believed to be caused by the large urban centers, agricultural runoff, industrial waste and sewage being deposited into the river. This has caused a number of problems, with a number of species of native fish being declared as “endangered” or “threatened” due to contamination.
Analysis and Insights
The Mississippi River is an important part of North America’s landscape, both culturally and ecologically. The start of the river, Lake Itasca, is located in Clearwater County, Minnesota and has become a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque surroundings. In terms of its importance, the river is a major source of fresh water, an important navigation route, and an important habitat for wildlife. However, pollution has caused major problems to the river, with a number of species declared endangered or threatened due to the contamination.
Management and Changes in the Waterway
In recent years, much has been done in addressing the issue of pollution in the Mississippi River. Regulations, monitoring systems, and cleanup projects have been put in place by the relevant authorities to mitigate the impact of pollution and other man-made activities. This has seen a number of positive changes taking place in the waterway.
In addition to this, there have been a number of large-scale engineering projects that aim to improve the navigability of the river and to reduce the risk of flooding downstream. The most notable of these is the Mississippi River Commission (MRC), which has been in operation since 1899. The MRC works in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and with state agencies to ensure the proper management and upkeep of the river.
Impact on the Local Economy
The Mississippi River has been an important part of the economy of the Midwestern and the Southern United States. Historically, the river and its tributaries have been used to transport goods and people to various parts of the country. This has spawned numerous businesses ranging from ferry operations to riverboat casinos. In addition to this, the river has helped shape the culture of the area with many towns and cities drawing their income from providing services for riverside travelers.
However, in recent years, the river has been facing a number of issues, from environmental concerns to commercial restrictions. This has had an impact on the local economy, with businesses having to adapt to the changing needs of the river. Nonetheless, the river remains an important part of the economy and culture of the area.
Economic Benefits to the U.S.
The Mississippi River has long been a vital part of the U.S. economy. It has provided a dependable transportation route for goods, people, and services to move around the continent. The river and its tributaries have enabled the growth of industries ranging from agriculture to petroleum production. In addition to this, the river has also been a source of recreational activities with numerous marinas and other facilities located along its banks.
Apart from this, the economic benefits of the Mississippi River have been felt in other areas. For example, the river had an integral role in the exploration of the American West, with early explorers using the river to travel to distant regions. It has also been responsible for the development of the great cities along its banks, with these cities benefiting hugely from having access to the river.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change has had a major impact on the Mississippi River, with rising temperatures having an effect on the waterway. This is expected to lead to more extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, as well as changes in the water levels of the river. In addition to this, climate change could also lead to an increase in the spread of diseases, with warmer temperatures creating a more hospitable environment for hazardous organisms.
Furthermore, climate change is also likely to have an effect on the species of the Mississippi River, with changes in its water temperature, flow and quantity of sediment affecting the diversity and population of life in its waters. This could lead to a decrease in the number of fish and other animals found in the river and its tributaries.
The Future of the Mississippi River
The future of the Mississippi River is uncertain, with many factors playing a role in its long-term health. However, with proper management and the implementation of regulatory measures, much can be done to preserve the river and its resources. It is also important to keep in mind the importance of the river to the environment, to the economy, and to the culture of the people living along its banks.
The Mississippi River is an important part of North America, and with proper care and attention, it can remain a source for future generations to enjoy.
